General Car Maintenance



General Car Maintenance TCL68 rightcenterTable of ContentsHow to use this manualvChapter 1; Tools1Chapter 2; Tires5Chapter 3; Battery9Chapter 4; Dash lights13Chapter 5; Fluids17Index23How to use this manualConsult the Table of Contents to determine which section contains the information you desire. Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment. The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual contains a complete listing of all subjects. Consult the following table for a description of the symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout this Owner’s Manual.Chapter 1ToolsIt’s important to have the right tools for the right job. This section is all about how to use different tools for the jobs that are in this manual.Tools information Pressure gage – Flashlight – Tire Iron – Jack – Rags and a funnel –Jumper cables – Spare tire XE "tire" – Reflectors/ Road flares – Oil wrench-Oil pan-Screw driver-Chapter 2TiresChecking the Tire TreadGet a pennyHold the penny with Lincoln’s face pointing down towards the tire XE "tire" Place the penny between the treads of the tire XE "tire" If Lincoln’s forehead is showing, it’s time to replace the tire XE "tire" Changing a TireGet the spare tire XE "tire" out of the carLoosen all of the lug nuts XE "lug nuts" with the tire XE "tire" ironTake off all the lug nuts XE "lug nuts" with hands and place them somewhere safe Place your jack under the support beam Note: This is usually the axel XE "axel" of the vehicle. Consult the owner’s manual for proper placement of the jack XE "jack" Slowly raise the car by pumping the jack XE "jack" Remove the tire XE "tire" from the carReplace the used tire XE "tire" with the spare tireWhile the car is still raised, hand tighten all of the lug nuts XE "lug nuts" Lower the car to the groundTighten all of the lug nuts XE "lug nuts" with the tire XE "tire" ironChecking Tire PressureUnscrew the air caps off of the tire XE "tire" Use your pressure gauge XE "pressure gauge" to determine the psi of the tire XE "tire" Repeat step 2 on the remaining three tires Note: All four tires should have approximately the same psi for the best Chapter 3BatteryChanging a battery XE "battery" Unscrew locking nuts from battery XE "battery" cables making sure to keep from touching any metal to metal because of the risk of shock to youRemove cables starting with red/ power cable because you always want to make sure that the ground wire is attached so as to not drain/fry your alternatorRemove black/ ground wire making sure to keep the red and black terminals away from each otherRemove bracket XE "bracket" that is securing the battery XE "battery" in placeTake battery XE "battery" out of car and be sure to dispose of it in the proper manner, usually the place you buy the new battery from will dispose of it for youInsert new battery XE "battery" and secure with bracket XE "bracket" that you previously removedAttach ground/ black wire first so that the battery XE "battery" does not improperly drain while you connect the other wireAttach red/ power cable and be sure to tighten securely, make sure to not over tighten as this can cause damage to the terminalStart your vehicle and allow it to run for 2-3 minutes checking to see that the battery XE "battery" is not defective and starting to leakDrive awayJumping a carHave your jumper cables XE "jumper cables" readyPull the hood release lever to make the battery XE "battery" accessibleRepeat process above for the other vehicleAttach black jumper cable to black terminal on the vehicle that needs to be jump started first.Attach red jumper cable to the red/positive terminal on the vehicle that needs to be jump startedNow attach the other end of the black jumper cable to the vehicle that has a good battery XE "battery" , although it is slightly dangerous it is best to do this with the vehicle runningPrevent the cables from touching each other and attach the other end of the red jumper cable to the red/positive terminal on the running vehicleAllow the dead battery XE "battery" to charge off of the running battery for 30 seconds to a minute, just to allow the battery to get more than a minimal chargeTurn the key on the car with the dead battery XE "battery" and it should start upRemove the jumper cables XE "jumper cables" from the two cars always removing positive/red cables first. A slight spark is nothing to worry aboutAllow the car who’s battery XE "battery" was dead to run for just a minute just to see if it will maintain its chargeBattery corrosion build-upChapter 4Understanding the Dash LightsOil Pressure warning lightIf the light stays on after starting or illuminates during a journey stop immediately, switch off the engine XE "engine" and check the engine oil XE "oil" level. If the warning lamp illuminates, even though the oil level is correct, do not start the engine and seek assistance. Battery charge warning lightIf this light does not illuminate at all, or if it illuminates while driving, your battery XE "battery" is not being; meaning that there is something wrong with the charging system. Immediately move the vehicle to a safe location and switch off the engine XE "engine" . Do not restart the engine and seek assistance.Brake system warning lightIllumination after releasing the handbrake may indicate low brake XE "brake" fluid XE "fluid" level. Refer to the owner’s manual and add the correct brake fluid at once to bring the level up to the “MAX” mark. As the brakes wear the fluid level will slowly drop. Check your brake fluid level frequently to ensure there is no further rapid loss of fluid. If the light remains illuminated, even though the brake fluid level is correct, this may indicate a sensor fault. Take your vehicle to a dealer or garage as soon as possible.Diesel XE "Diesel" Particulate Filter (DPF) partially blocked (diesel engines)Diesel XE "Diesel" Particulate filters (DPF) catch bits of soot in the exhaust. As with any filter they have to be emptied regularly to maintain performance. When the soot loading in the filter reaches a set limit (about 45%) the engine XE "engine" management computer (ECU) can make small adjustments to the fuel injection timing to increase the exhaust temperature and initiate regeneration. It should be possible to start a complete regeneration and clear the warning light by driving for 10 minutes or so at speeds greater than 40mph.Engine warning lightIt indicates a malfunction with the engine XE "engine" management system. Have this checked as soon as possible. If it flashes when driving, reduce the vehicle speed immediately until the light illuminates constantly. If it continues to flash, avoid heavy acceleration and high engine speed, stop the vehicle and have it checked immediately. On some vehicles this light may be red – again stop the vehicle and seek assistance. If it is safe to do so, try stopping the vehicle, switching off the engine, wait two minutes, then restarting the engine to reset the engine management system. With the light illuminated, the vehicle is still safe to drive as long as no other faults are apparent with the engine. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer or garage as soon as possible to avoid any damage being caused to the catalytic converter.ABS warning lightThis light indicates a malfunction with the anti-lock brakes (ABS). Have this checked as soon as possible. Normal braking (without ABS) will be generally be maintained and many cars will be safe to drive on, but some will not - check the handbook for advice. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer or garage as soon as possible.Brake system and ABS warning lightsIf both warning lights illuminate at the same time when driving, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Reduce vehicle speed gradually and immediately move the vehicle to a safe location. Use the brakes with great care. Do not step on the brake XE "brake" pedal abruptly. Seek assistance.Fuel filter water trap (diesel engines)This light indicates that water has been detected in the fuel filter. This light warns you that the amount of accumulated water in the fuel filter has reached the specified level. Normally the vehicle is quite safe to drive, but have the accumulated water in the fuel filter drained off as soon as possible. If the vehicle has just been re-fuelled, immediately move the vehicle to a safe location and switch off the engine XE "engine" . The fuel may have been contaminated and could cause damage to the injection system.Chapter 5 Checking the FluidsFluids Checking oil XE "oil" :It's often been said that oil XE "oil" is the lifeblood of your car. The oil in the crankcase of your engine XE "engine" is critical to long and healthy motor life. Without it, your engine would freeze up in a matter of minutes.With the hood open (and securely propped, so it doesn't hit you on the head), locate the dipstick. It will be near the front of the engine XE "engine" , close to you, and sometimes has a brightly colored handle -- yellow, red, or some other noticeable color. Remove it and wipe it with a clean rag or towel. Reinsert it into hole, then slowly remove it again. Check the level. The oil XE "oil" mark should fall between the two hash marks on the dipstick. If it's below the lower level, you need to add oil -- a quart will usually do it. Before you do so, though, wipe the dipstick again and check it a second time. Still low? Add a quart and recheck it. (It's best to add the oil, then start the engine to circulate it, then let it sit for another five minutes before rechecking.) If it's still below the lower hash mark, you may need to add another quart, but be careful not to overfill it, as this can lead to other problems.Transmission Fluid XE "Fluid" :The automatic transmission XE "transmission" fluid XE "fluid" should be checked with the engine XE "engine" running. The transmission dipstick is typically located behind the oil XE "oil" dipstick, and doesn't stick up as high. If you have trouble locating it, consult your owner's manual. Oftentimes it will have the same colorful markings (yellow, red, etc.) as the oil dipstick.With the engine running, extract the transmission dipstick. Wipe it clean and reinsert it, then extract it again. It will have similar markings to the oil dipstick, one mark for too low, another for too high. (Note: Transmission fluid will almost never be low. The automatic transmission sealed system, requiring little maintenance. If your fluid is low, it most likely means you have a leak in the system, such as a worn seal or a crack somewhere. Have you noticed an oily patch on your driveway where you park? Is it red, or reddish-brown? If so, you may have a transmission leak and will need to see a mechanic.)Even if the level is OK, note the color and consistency of the fluid. If it is very dark or black, check your records and owner's manual and plan on getting it changed; it's probably overdue.Radiator/Cooling System:This should be done when the engine XE "engine" is cool or lukewarm, not cold. Please note: The contents of the radiator are pressurized and can scald you if the system is opened when it is hot. Also, never check the radiator when the engine is running. Locate the radiator cap. It should be in the center of the engine compartment, in the very front. Use a rag to remove it. Look down into the radiator and see if you can spot fluid XE "fluid" . If it's near the top, you're in good shape. If not, you'll need to add some. Engine coolant XE "coolant" is added on a 50/50 basis -- 50 percent water, 50 percent coolant. Read the instructions on the coolant container for details.You may want to also check the fluid level in the coolant reservoir. This is a plastic container just to the side of the radiator, with a hose connecting the two. It serves as an overflow receptacle for excess radiator coolant (since the fluid expands and contracts with heat). Pop the lid open and fill it about two-thirds of the way full.Brake Fluid XE "Fluid" :Like the transmission XE "transmission" , the braking system is a sealed network. If it repeatedly gets low on fluid XE "fluid" , you need to locate the source of the problem, either by yourself or with the help of a mechanic. A leaky braking system is a very serious problem.To check the fluid level, locate the brake XE "brake" fluid reservoir. It's usually in the engine XE "engine" compartment. If you can't find it, consult your owner's manual. Remove the lid and check the level. It should be at least two-thirds full. If not, fill to the "full" line with brake fluid.Note: Avoid getting water in the braking system, at all costs. Therefore, do not do this procedure in the rain, unless in a garage or under an overhang.Window Washer Fluid XE "Fluid" :Some newer cars and trucks now have a light that comes on to indicate when this fluid XE "fluid" needs refilling. It's typically located in the engine XE "engine" compartment, underneath the windshield. It looks a lot like the coolant XE "coolant" overflow reservoir, but will be located closer to the rear of the engine compartment. Also, both of the caps will be labeled "coolant" and "windshield," or something similar, to distinguish one from the other. Some vehicles, such as SUVs and minivans, may have a second receptacle, located in the rear of the vehicle, to supply the rear wipers. If you're unable to locate these fluid reservoirs, consult your owner's manual. Many people will augment the water in these receptacles with Windex or some other glass cleaner, to increase the cleaning power of the fluid. You can also buy window washer fluid at your local automotive store or Wal-Mart. INDEX \c "2" \z "1033" axel, 7battery, 11, 12, 15bracket, 11brake, 15, 16, 20coolant, 20Diesel, 15engine, 15, 16, 19, 20fluid, 15, 19, 20Fluid, 19, 20jack, 8jumper cables, 11, 12lug nuts, 7, 8oil, 15, 19pressure gauge, 8tire, 3, 7, 8transmission, 19, 20 ................
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